SINCE the first winner was crowned in 1956, the winning country has hosted Eurovision the following year.
2022’s winner Ukraine hopes to be able to host next year but which city will have the honour?
Where will Eurovision 2023 be held?
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the hearts of Europe to be crowned Eurovision Song Contest winners in 2022.
This means, per tradition, Ukraine is in line to host Eurovision 2023.
Ukraine were the favourites to win and swept dramatically up into first place when the public vote came through.
The delighted winners received over 400 points from the public, securing their win.
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Kalush Orchestra rapper Oleh Psiuk said ahead of the event: “Eurovision next year will be in the free home and reconstructed and rebuilt and happy Ukraine.”
The chosen city needs to meet certain criteria in order to hold the competition.
Firstly, the city needs space for up to 10,000 spectators at the venue as well as accommodate around 2,000 competitors, delegates, journalists and fans.
It also needs an easily accessible international airport and a variety of hotels and accommodation in the area.
However, because of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine, this may not be possible.
If Ukraine can’t host the event in 2023, another country will step in to host on Ukraine’s behalf.
This is likely to be one of the “big five” Eurovision countries of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, who contribute large funds to the competition and have a guaranteed place in the final.
When is Eurovision 2023?
Eurovision 2023 will be held in the May of 2023, although an official date has not yet been confirmed.
The final is usually held on a Saturday, with the semi-finals airing at some point in the week preceding.
The song contest is traditionally held in May and has been since 1995.
Before this, the show would be held anywhere between March and May.
The very first Eurovision Song Contest final was held on May 24, 1956.
Could the UK host Eurovision 2023?
For the first time in over 20 years, the UK came second in Eurovision losing out to winners Ukraine.
Sam Ryder broke a two-decade long losing streak, solidifying his place with Eurovision icons like Bucks Fizz and Sonia.
While Ukraine hopes to host, there is a possibility that the war with Russia will prevent this.
As a member of the big five and the runner up in the competition, it is possible that the UK will be called to host.
The UK has stepped up as a replacement host on four separate occasions.
Ukrainian entry Psiuk said: “Well, yes, it’s true that UK supports us a lot.
“The huge gratitude to the UK, of course, from all of the residents of this country to you.
“Lots of Ukrainians are expressing a very huge gratitude to your country as well.”
Spain has reportedly offered to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
While the Mayor of Stockholm is also reported to have offered to host the event on behalf of Ukraine.
In Eurovision’s history, there have been several instances where a previous year’s winner didn’t host the contest.
The last time this happened was in 1980 when the Netherlands stepped in after Israel declined to host for the second year in a row.
A decision will likely need to be made by the end of the year as to where Eurovision 2023 will be held, so the chosen city can begin planning.
Which city hosted Eurovision 2022?
Eurovision 2021 saw Italy, represented by rock band Maneskin, secure their first victory for more than thirty years – making Italy the host of the 2022 contest.
This meant the competition took place in the Northern Italian city of Turin in 2022.
Turin, which is located in the northern region of Piedmont (not far from the border with France), is overlooked by the Alps.
It was the third time Italy held the Eurovision competition – having played host twice before in 1965 and 1991.
It’s the first time the competition had been held in Turin.
In 2021, Eurovision arrived in Rotterdam in The Netherlands after a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Who were the other frontrunners to host Eurovision 2022?
Rock band Maneskin snatched victory with their song Zitti e Buoni, which won them an impressive 524 points – but France wasn’t too far behind.
Represented by Barbara Pravi, a singer-songwriter, who sang ‘Voila’, France came in a close second with 499 points.
Taking bronze was Switzerland, who finished with 432 points.
The UK wasn’t nearly as successful, however – in fact, James Newman’s Embers failed to win a single point for the nation.
It was the second time the UK dramatically flopped at the contest having also come dead last in 2019.
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The contest will be shown live on BBC One, with commentary usually provided by comedian and commentator Graham Norton.
Clips of the performances will also be uploaded to Eurovision’s official YouTube channel, meaning fans can relive their favourite acts whenever they like.
